Color Grading Made EASY | DaVinci Resolve 18 & 18.5 Tutorial

In this tutorial, we will be discussing the color grading process in DaVinci Resolve. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance the look of your videos, this tutorial will provide you with the tools and techniques to achieve a professional-grade color grade.

Setting the Color Management

To start off, open DaVinci Resolve and navigate to the settings page by clicking on the bottom right corner. From there, go to "Color management" and adjust the timeline color space to DaVinci WG/Intermediate. Set the output color space to Rec 709a, which is the Apple Rec 709 for this display.

To ensure consistency between your editing version and the final exported version, go to Preferences > System > General and enable "Use Mac display color profiles for viewers". This will make sure your end result matches your editing.

The Color Page

Now, let's dive into the color page where the magic happens. We'll start by adding nodes to the node tree.

Applying a LUT and Adjusting Exposure

Begin by adding a color space transform or Rec 709 LUT to establish a base look. If you have access to a free LUT, you can use that. Adjust the settings according to your footage, such as s-log 3 gamut and s-log 3.

Next, tweak the exposure by adjusting the gain, lift, and mid-tones. This allows you to bring out the desired details and create a balanced exposure. Play around with the highlights, shadows, and contrast to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Adding Color and Fine-tuning

Now it's time to add color to your footage. Use the color wheels to adjust the tones and hues. Experiment with the blues, reds, and greens to find the right balance. Consider white balancing certain areas of the image for a cohesive look.

You can also enhance the image by adjusting the HDR wheels. Tweak the exposure, mid-tones, and shadows to fine-tune the overall look of the footage.

Adding a Touch of Sharpness, Glow, and Vignette

To bring back some sharpness to the image, adjust the sharpness settings. Find the right balance to add clarity without sacrificing too much detail.

If you want to create a specific atmosphere or look, adding a subtle glow can be effective. Experiment with different glow settings, such as color and intensity, to achieve the desired effect.

Additionally, consider adding a vignette to draw attention to the center of the frame. Use masking and feathering to create a seamless transition and adjust the brightness levels accordingly.

Applying Noise Reduction

If your footage has some noise, you can apply noise reduction to create a cleaner look. Add a noise reduction node and adjust the settings to reduce the noise without sacrificing too much detail. Find the right balance to achieve a polished result.

Summary of Color Grading Process in DaVinci Resolve

To summarize, the color grading process in DaVinci Resolve involves setting the color management, adjusting exposure, adding color and fine-tuning, enhancing sharpness, adding a touch of glow and vignette, and applying noise reduction. These steps can completely transform the look of your footage and give it a professional-grade finish.

Keywords

Color Grading, DaVinci Resolve, Color Management, Exposure Adjustment, Color Wheels, HDR Wheels, Sharpness, Glow, Vignette, Noise Reduction

FAQ

Q: Can I use DaVinci Resolve for color grading if I'm a beginner? A: Absolutely! DaVinci Resolve's user-friendly interface and powerful color grading tools make it accessible for beginners.

Q: What is the purpose of noise reduction in color grading? A: Noise reduction helps reduce any visible noise in the footage, resulting in a cleaner and more professional look.

Q: How can I achieve a specific color tone or atmosphere in my footage? A: Experiment with the color wheels and LUTs to find the desired color balance and mood. By adjusting the color channels, you can create a range of unique effects.

Q: Is it necessary to adjust white balance in the color grading process? A: While not mandatory, white balancing specific areas of the image can help create a consistent and visually pleasing look.

Q: Can I achieve a professional color grade using only the free version of DaVinci Resolve? A: Yes, the free version of DaVinci Resolve provides powerful color grading tools that can help you achieve professional results. However, the paid version offers additional features and capabilities.